Norway manager Stale Solbakken has raised concerns over Erling Haaland’s workload, saying the Manchester City striker showed signs of fatigue during the country’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday.
Haaland was substituted after 67 minutes, with Solbakken describing the 26-year-old forward as “thoroughly spent” following a demanding run of matches for club and country.
“He was simply thoroughly spent,” Solbakken said.
The Norway manager said several of his players had enjoyed only six or seven days of holiday before returning to competitive football, describing the schedule as an “extreme strain.”
Solbakken added that Haaland is among those carrying the heaviest workload because Manchester City compete across multiple competitions and the striker remains a key player for the club.
“He’s in the group that carries the heaviest workload precisely because his team, Manchester City, plays in every tournament and he’s the main man,” he said.
Norway midfielder Patrick Berg also said Haaland’s fatigue was understandable, noting that the striker had featured in all three of the team’s previous matches.
“He has played all three games before this one, so it’s not that shocking his strength finally ran out,” Berg said.
Haaland’s workload has increased in recent months, with Norway’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals reducing his off season break.
He has since featured in every Premier League match for Manchester City this season, scoring five goals.
The striker had previously expressed frustration over the congested schedule after scoring twice in Norway’s 3-2 Nations League victory over Denmark last month, posting on social media: “So tired. New match in 70 hours.”
Meanwhile, Norway’s players’ union, NISO, has also called for greater protection for players amid concerns over increasing workloads.
NISO chief Kristoffer Vatshaug said the burden on top players had become “far too high,” calling for clearer guidelines on match schedules, rest periods, travel demands and recovery time.
Vatshaug added that protecting players should not depend solely on footballers deciding when to stop playing, noting that players naturally want to represent their clubs, national teams and teammates.
Haaland will now have six days to recover before Manchester City return to Premier League action against Liverpool on Sunday.